Michigan’s 2014 decline in motorcycle deaths proves fears over easing the state’s mandatory helmet law were misplaced, an advocacy group said.

“Helmets are part of the equipment, but our position has been their use should be up to the rider,” said Vince Consiglio who is president of the rider-advocacy group ABATE (American Bikers Aiming Toward Education) of Michigan.

Michigan Motorcycle Safety Month begins next week and ABATE is among the groups calling for increased safety as the annual riding season begins.

Some 107 motorcycle deaths were reported last year, according to the Michigan Traffic Crash reporting system.

Last year’s fatalities were the lowest since 2009, three years before the new helmet law was adopted.

Two fatalities were reported last year in Livingston County. One involved Hamburg Township Police Department Sgt. James Sanderson. The other involved a 26-year-old Marion Township man. A suspect has been charged in Sanderson’s death.